Awarded 5 Stars by Readers' Favorite and Literary Titan. Kirkus says "Get it!" Some gifts are sacred. Others are cursed. Mateo's is both. For centuries, the spirits of the CHamoru makåna—ancient healers of extraordinary power—waited in silence for the one destined to carry their sacred light. That child is Mateo. Born with abilities that defy explanation, Mateo can sense what others cannot see and heal what modern medicine cannot touch. His gift should be a blessing. Instead, it makes him a target. Malevolent entities from beyond the veil have been watching, waiting for the makåna's light to return. Now that it burns within a vulnerable child, they will stop at nothing to possess it—even if they must destroy everyone Mateo loves to claim his soul. As the attacks escalate from whispers in the dark to full manifestations of terror, Mateo's family fights to protect him. But the boy's destiny cannot be denied. To save those he loves and honor his ancestors' legacy, Mateo must journey into the realm of the dead itself. In the ultimate battle between light and darkness, will a child's faith and his ancestors' power be enough—or will the forces hunting him finally drag him into the abyss? A gripping supernatural thriller rooted in CHamoru culture, where indigenous spirituality collides with cosmic horror, and one family's love becomes the last line of defense against ancient evil. ★★★★★ "Author M. K. Aleja brings a fresh perspective to paranormal fiction in a highly atmospheric story. Aleja's storytelling weaves mythological elements seamlessly into contemporary settings, creating an immersive read. Overall, I would highly recommend The Makana's Legacy to readers who appreciate paranormal fiction that goes beyond surface-level thrills to explore deeper questions of identity and heritage." - Readers' Favorite ★★★★★ "As the narrative unfolds, the line between the natural and the supernatural blurs, leading to a gripping exploration of legacy, faith, and resilience. The Makana's Legacy is a richly layered story that blends cultural heritage with a moving family drama. It's a perfect read for those who enjoy stories of intergenerational conflict, supernatural intrigue, and emotional depth. It's a book that stays with you, a tribute to the resilience of both family and culture." - Literary Titan "The exploration of the CHamoru belief system and its legends are an obvious strength of Aleja's novel, but so too are the deep character development and relationship dynamics, like the loving bond between Mateo and his grandmother. The impressively high level of tension throughout the story is also noteworthy, particularly the adept use of psychological horror elements to keep readers on the edge of their seats." - Kirkus Reviews MK Aleja is of mixed ethnicity but it is his CHamoru heritage that he feels is underrepresented in mainstream media. Growing up in Guam, he knows all the legends and folklore and has even had his own experiences with the supernatural. He hopes that putting all of this into his stories will not only entertain readers but might also pique readers' interest in the CHamoru culture. MK currently resides in Alaska with his wife and youngest son.